El Anclote Beach

Published Sep 30, 2005
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(Updated Aug 29, 2013)

This is one of two public beaches at Punta de Mita, which is the peninsula at the northern tip of Banderas Bay. Both a bustling beach and seaside community, there's a lot more to do here than swim! There's great surfing here and boards can be rented right on the beach. And since the waves break fright in front of the beach it's an ideal spot for kids to learn to surf, their parents able to watch them and take photos. And when they're good enough they can move up to a bigger break right next door. A favorite weekend getaway for Vallartans, many of whom arrive here in their own boats, this beach has lots of good restaurants and activities going on, with rentals of kayaks, catamarans, snorkeling gear and more available. Las Marietas Islands nature preserve is just offshore and you can rent a boat and guide to take you up close to them, where the snorkeling and diving are excellent. Or hire a panga to take you whale watching. Since El Anclote is at the entrance to the bay, where they come to breed every year and stay for half of it, chances are good you're going to see some! And if you tend to get seasick, the boat trips are shorter from here than if you had boarded at one of the marinas. The recent infusion of money and sophistication to this area since the master-planned resort and residential community of Punta Mita was created means that even the El Anclote fishing village is changing, as prestigious shops and restaurants take their places side by side with the most traditional Mexican homes and businesses. So right now you can enjoy the best of both worlds right here.

What you should know

Less than an hour from PV by public bus, private car or taxi

Don't miss a visit to Paquime on the beach, a restaurant, Internet café, art gallery and real estate agency that is a great place to get the lowdown on everything happening locally